Hi, everyone! I am SO excited about today’s blog. Through my first several months of being a resource parent, I have learned how important it is to lean on the supports you have. For me, one of my biggest supports has been my caseworker through LSI Foster Care and Adoption. I’ve actually been blessed with TWO really incredible support workers, as one of them was on leave for a short period of time. Both of these ladies provided me with exactly what I needed – support, understanding, and answers. I feel like the support workers are holding so much information, I don’t know how they do it! They are also the individuals who will contact you with a placement. Remember when I told the story of never forgetting the day I got my first call? That call came from my support worker! My support worker will always hold a special place in my story of being a resource parent. Without further ado, here’s some more information gathered in an interview with Erin Senhen from LSI Foster Care and Adoption.
Q: Thanks so much for agreeing to be our feature this month on the blog! Can you start by telling us about your role at LSI?
A: My name is Erin Senhen I am a foster and adoptive support caseworker for Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Palo Alto, and Kossuth counties.
Q: I can say first-hand just how impactful your work is. What is your favorite part about your work?
A: There are so many things I love about what I do, but I would say seeing a child come into a home and make huge strides with any struggles they may have is amazing to witness. All of that credit goes towards the foster parents. I also love to see successful adoptions take place in my homes.
Q: What is one thing you wish all current resource parents knew?
A: I wish they knew how truly appreciated they are. I know we try and tell you all as often as we can, but no amount of words could truly say how much foster and adoptive parents are appreciated each and every day. Also, that they all know they are doing an amazing job, even on the days when it doesn’t feel like it.
Q: If someone is starting to think about becoming a resource family, what would be something you would want them to consider while making that decision?
A: I would say to definitely attend an orientation so you know how it will affect your family as a whole. It doesn’t just affect your immediate family, it affects beyond that and it is very important to keep that in mind when you consider taking these children who have trauma into your home.
Q: There’s a great need for foster and adoptive homes in our areas. What aged children or what specific groups need a home most right now?
A: Teens. Teens and more teens. We need people willing to give these kids a chance. Don’t let their age scare you. They just want to be loved and showed that someone cares about them.
Q: What would you say to those resource families who think fostering a teen would be too difficult to do?
A: I think people think of a teen and get scared because let’s be honest, those are the hardest years. However, I have seen SO many successful situations of teens going into homes and thriving after they get out of their situation they were previously in.
Q: If someone would like more information about becoming a resource family in western Iowa, how should they reach out?
A: Visit LSIowa.org/foster, submit an inquiry form, and one of our amazing recruiters will reach out!
